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NFLPreview
Buccaneers 2026 schedule is among the NFL's most difficult
TL;DR
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face one of the NFL's toughest schedules in 2026, playing against several playoff-caliber teams. They will not play a first-place schedule for the first time since 2021, facing second-place teams from multiple divisions.
Key points
- Buccaneers face one of the NFL's toughest schedules in 2026
- They will not play a first-place schedule for the first time since 2021
- Schedule includes matchups against second-place teams from multiple divisions
- Tampa Bay will play all four teams in the NFC North and AFC East
- The schedule could validate the team's roster depth and championship expectations
Tampa Bay BuccaneersLos Angeles ChargersLos Angeles RamsDallas Cowboys
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were denied a fifth straight NFC South crown last season, as Carolina won its first division title since 2015. That means, for the first time since 2021, the Buccaneers will not be playing a first-place schedule in 2026. Instead, Tampa Bay's 2026 opponents list was finalized, including matchups against the second-place teams in the NFC East, NFC West, and AFC West. Todd Bowles' team will play home dates against both Los Angeles teams, the Chargers and Rams, and a road trip to Dallas to play the Cowboys.
Tampa Bay will play all four teams in the NFC North and all four teams in the AFC East, with the remainder of the schedule, as always, made up of six games against the other three teams in the NFC South. The depth of quality opponents across the schedule means the Buccaneers will likely face playoff-caliber competition almost every month of the season.
According to Warren Sharp, using Vegas projected win totals as a guide, the 2026 season could become a major measuring stick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their ability to remain among the NFC’s top contenders. If Tampa Bay can successfully navigate this demanding slate, it would further validate the roster depth, coaching stability, and championship expectations surrounding the franchise as it enters the season.
Buccaneers home opponents
Atlanta FalconsCarolina PanthersLos Angeles ChargersLos Angeles Rams
Q&A
What teams will the Buccaneers play in their 2026 schedule?
In 2026, the Buccaneers will play against all four teams in the NFC North, all four teams in the AFC East, and second-place teams from the NFC East, NFC West, and AFC West.
How does the Buccaneers' 2026 schedule compare to previous seasons?
The Buccaneers will not play a first-place schedule in 2026 for the first time since 2021, making their upcoming schedule particularly challenging.
What are the implications of the Buccaneers' difficult 2026 schedule?
The challenging schedule could serve as a measuring stick for the Buccaneers' roster depth and coaching stability, impacting their playoff aspirations.
